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Description
Euphorbia Dentata, commonly known as Toothed Spurge, is a fascinating plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the Euphorbia family, which comprises more than 2,000 species. Toothed Spurge is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 60cm in height. It has a branching stem that is greenish-yellow and contains a milky sap that can cause skin irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
Appearance
Toothed Spurge has toothed, oblong leaves that are around 5cm long and 2cm wide. Its flowers are small and greenish-yellow, appearing in late spring and early summer. The plant produces fruit that is a three-lobed capsule that contains seeds. Toothed Spurge is an attractive addition to any garden due to its unique appearance.
Care Guide
Toothed Spurge is relatively easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels. Here are some tips to help you care for your Toothed Spurge:
Water: Toothed Spurge prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t require much water. Water it sparingly, making sure the soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilization: Fertilize Toothed Spurge once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Toothed Spurge prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it won’t grow well in heavy clay soil.
Sunlight: Toothed Spurge prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Toothed Spurge is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Toothed Spurge is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you notice any of these pests, you can remove them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water. Toothed Spurge can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Toothed Spurge is native to North America and can be found in dry, rocky areas, meadows, and open woods. It is an adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Toothed Spurge poisonous?
A: Yes, Toothed Spurge contains a milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes. It should be handled with care.
Q: Can Toothed Spurge be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Toothed Spurge can be grown in containers as long as it has well-drained soil and access to full sun.
Q: Does Toothed Spurge attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Toothed Spurge is an excellent plant for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Q: Can Toothed Spurge be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Toothed Spurge can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Toothed Spurge:
- Euphorbia cyparissias
- Euphorbia characias
- Euphorbia rigida
- Euphorbia amygdaloides
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/euphorbia/toothed-spurge-plant.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/toothed-spurge-plant-profile-5075091
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/euphorbia-dentata-toothed-spurge
